Deloitte Report Recommends NSW Greyhound Racing Consolidation

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has released the findings of a Deloitte Australia review into the State’s racetrack footprint, with recommendations to reduce the number of active racetracks through a staged optimisation plan aimed at improving financial sustainability and operational efficiency.

The review follows discussions held at the Industry Future Summit in May, where stakeholders acknowledged that the current network of tracks was no longer viable. Deloitte’s analysis identified that while the optimal number of racetracks for the State is 12, transitioning immediately would be disruptive, and instead recommended a phased reduction to an interim footprint of 15 racetracks.

GRNSW chief executive officer, Steve Griffin, said the organisation has been in direct contact with all clubs affected by the recommendations to explain the rationale behind their categorisation.

“Greyhound Racing NSW has been in contact with all of the clubs which will be impacted by the optimisation recommendations. We have spoken at length about the process and why their respective clubs sit where they are in the optimisation recommendations.” 

Staged Implementation Plan

The first stage, to be completed by the end of 2025, would see the closure of Non-TAB tracks at Coonamble, Kempsey, Moree, Potts Park, Tamworth, Wauchope, and Young. These clubs may have the opportunity to operate as trial tracks if preferred at a local level.

Lithgow, currently a Non-TAB venue, is set to be upgraded in 2026 and will remain in the State’s core network of 15 tracks.

The second stage, scheduled to conclude by June 2026, involves the closure of three TAB tracks: Broken Hill, Maitland, and Wagga Wagga. Following the recent cessation of racing at Dapto, this update would bring the total number of TAB tracks to 15.

A third potential stage could involve further consolidation, however Deloitte recommended monitoring racing demand and financial indicators before progressing.

Commercial Implications

The proposed optimisation is intended to improve financial returns to clubs and participants by reducing duplication of facilities and consolidating racing activity into fewer, sustainable venues.

The model prioritises ensuring each region in NSW retains at least one operational track to support local racing demand.

GRNSW has also noted that long-term metropolitan planning is contingent on the State Government’s decision on extending the lease for Wentworth Park, which remains unresolved.

Griffin acknowledged the difficulty of the process but emphasised the industry-wide agreement on the need for change.

“With optimisation we will be able to lower costs and maximise returns and profits to participants and clubs.”

“Optimisation will allow clubs to be autonomous and financially independent,” he said.

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